Young Farmer
The purpose of the Kentucky Farm Bureau Young Farmer Program is to provide opportunities for young adults to participate in the overall Farm Bureau program and give responsibility in areas that will best develop their leadership potential.
Leadership development is the chief goal of Kentucky Farm Bureau's young farmer programs. Focused on young adults 18-35, programs introduce participants to the business side of Farm Bureau; at the same time, they offer family-oriented social events for their enjoyment.
LEAD
LEAD (Leadership Enhancement for Agricultural Development) provides leadership training for young members who want to increase their leadership effectiveness. Since 1998, more than 200 outstanding young men and women from across the state have participated in this intensive learning experience focusing on political involvement, effective communication, personal development, and Farm Bureau involvement.
The LEAD program is open to any Farm Bureau member between the ages of 25-40 who demonstrates leadership potential. An informational brochure can be found below.
Farm Bureau has always supported the development of young agricultural leaders. Through the LEAD Program, up to 16 young Farm Bureau members will have the opportunity to spend two years developing both personally and professionally.
Meet Your Committee
Randy & Adysen Adams, District 1 |
Ben & Gabrielle Prevette, District 2 |
Adam & Kristin Benham, District 3 |
Ryan & Erin Arnett, District 4, Secretary |
Alex Butler, District 5 |
Josh & Mackenzie Wright, District 6, Chair |
Steve & Ann Margaret Hughes, District 7 |
Andrew & Maggie Simpson, District 8 |
Terra Pigg, District 9 |
Justin & Katie Imel, District 10, Vice Chair |
Dillon & Angela Callahan, District 11 |
Eli & Jaimie Mann, Immediate Past President |
Events
Young Farmer Leadership Conference
This event is designed to provide our young farmers with leadership workshops and opportunities they can use daily on and off their farms. Young Farmers are provided with resources to help grow their operations and leadership skills.
The 2024 Young Farmer Leadership Conference took place January 5-6 in Covington, KY.
Young Farmer Summer Outing
This event is designed to connect our young farmers and allow them the opportunity to travel the state and tour diverse agriculture operations; allowing our young farmers to ask questions to producers. In addition, attendees are provided a fun relaxing atmosphere to network and grow as leaders.
The 2024 Young Farmer Summer Outing will take place June 28-29 in Ashland, KY.
To attend the 2024 Young Farmer Summer Outing, Register here
Young Farmer Contests
*Contest applicants are eligible to compete in only one contest per year*
Outstanding Young Farm Family
The Outstanding Young Farm Family recognizes Young Farmers who have excelled in their farm or ranch and have honed their leadership abilities to superiority. Participants are involved in production agriculture with a majority of their income subject to normal production risks. Judges evaluate competitor's excellence in management, growth and scope of their enterprise and self-initiative that have been displayed throughout the farm or ranch.
Applications are due May 14, 2024.
2024 Outstanding Young Farm Family Application
2024 Outstanding Young Farm Family Rubric
Excellence In Agriculture
The Young Farmers (YF) Excellence in Agriculture Award competition is designed as an opportunity for young farmers and ranchers to earn recognition, while actively contributing and growing through their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture. Participants will be judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, and participation/involvement in Farm Bureau and other organizations (i.e., civic, service and community). The ideal candidate(s) for the Excellence in Agriculture Award is an individual or couple who does not have the majority of his/her gross income subject to normal production risk.
Applications are due May 14, 2024.
2024 Excellence in Agriculture Application
2024 Excellence in Agriculture Application Rubric
2024 Excellence in Agriculture Presentation Rubric
Discussion Meet
Farm Bureau’s strength depends on its members’ abilities to analyze agricultural issues and decide on solutions that best meet their needs. The competition is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each committee member. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems. A successful participant is a productive thinker rather than an emotional persuader. He/she will assist the group in creating ways to implement the solutions discussed and highlight Farm Bureau’s involvement in those actions/steps.
2024 Discussion Meet Application
2024 Discussion Meet Questions
Collegiate Farm Bureau
Collegiate Farm Bureau brings together students with an agricultural interest on college campuses to engage in professional development, industry networking, and educational activities to enhance their future while building awareness of Kentucky Farm Bureau. The Kentucky Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters operate at the University of Kentucky (UK), Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), Murray State University (MSU) and Morehead State University (MSU).